Check for leaks

Even very small leaks can waste a huge amount of water and money. Although our water loss in Busselton is lower than average, estimates suggest our community could save more than 17 million litres of water each year if we could detect and eliminate leaks.

Busselton Water can only identify possible water loss when we read your meter, which only happens three times a year, so we encourage all customers to be vigilant at other times and regularly check for leaks.

Keep your eyes open for leaks in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry. Dripping taps are obvious causes but also check washing machine and dishwasher connections and damp patches on the walls and floors.

Place a few drops of food colour in the cistern of your toilet. Before you flush, look for colouring in the toilet bowl. If the colour is getting into the bowl then you have a leak.

Check hot water systems and air conditioning units. Also look for damp and unstable brick paving and garden areas that may be moist and greener than expected.

To check for hidden leaks you need to:

Ensure no water is being used in your house (turn off all water appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers and your reticulation)

Record the black and red numbers on your water meter last thing at night

The next day before the water is used, record the black and red numbers on the meter again

If the red numbers have changed, this test confirms there is a leak and further investigation is required

If you think you have a leak, repeat the test once more to be sure, then contact a licensed plumber to carry out any necessary repair work. Once the repairs have been completed, try the leak test again as it is not uncommon to have more than one leak.

In an emergency, please call us immediately on 08 9781 0500 (24 hours).